What's better than visiting a brewery with great beer, delicious food, live music and an amazing atmosphere?
As locals, and professional musicians, we have played at almost all of these breweries and we want to give you our honest opinions, experiences and suggestions. We have done our research and now you have it all in one easy spot so you can choose the brewery that best suites your needs- let's get started!
First off, these breweries are not ranked best to worst!
We have tried them all and we love them all-- for very different reasons! There are pros and cons to all of them and it depends on what you value in a brewery.
Is it the food quality? Is live music an absolute must when you go? Do you want a unique and relaxing atmosphere? Are you on a shoestring budget and price is the most important? Or maybe the location is everything for you. We have something for everyone in this list.
From local breweries to tourist traps- let's break down 10 of the most popular breweries in the Niagara region.
01
of 10 COUNTERPART BREWING
Price: Reasonable- especially for the quality of food!
Hours:
Sunday- Thursday 12pm- 9pm
Friday-Saturday 12pm- 10pm
Live Music: (currently Monday & Thursdays 5pm-8pm)
Subject to change- check their social media to confirm
Counterpart also hosts music trivia nights if this interests you.
Pros:
Nice seasonal outdoor patio- away from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls tourist area but not too far (approx. 8 min drive)
Offer flights of beer to test a variety. View their Tap List here.
Food is very tasty and it comes quick View their menu here. Check out their instagram for daily features.
Many reviews feel it is "one of the best breweries in Niagara Falls." When it comes to amazing food, beer quality and atmosphere, we definitely agree!
Cons:
Some negative google reviews mentioned the food can be salty.
Some guests that visited in larger groups stated their food was delivered at different times.
Our local recommendation: Order the Fried Chicken Sandwich (the best chicken sandwich you will ever have) and the Grilled Fish Tacos- but honestly you can't go wrong with anything from here. Try one of their beer smoothies for something delicious and unique- especially on a hot day! (We love the Zombie Surprise).
Check out their website here.
02
of 10 TAPS BREWHOUSE
Price: Reasonable- you will find a mix of locals and tourists here as you are just outside the main tourist district. This makes it a convenient location and a money saver if you want the brewery experience without the tourist price tag.
Location: 4680 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, L2E 2L8
Hours:
Sunday- Thursday 12pm-10pm- Kitchen closes 9pm
Friday-Saturday (12pm-11pm- Kitchen closes at 10pm
Live Music: Every friday and saturday (Live band or acoustic set) starting at 7pm
Subject to change- check their event calendar for the most up-to-date info
Taps also hosts comedy nights, music trivia, holiday markets, open mic nights and karaoke so be sure to check their calendar to see what is happening!
Pros:
Located in downtown Niagara Falls, just outside the hustle and bustle of the tourist area. A nice break for those visiting the tourist attractions (free on-site parking)
You can check out some great local businesses while you're in this area. Here are some we love: - BreakOut Escapes Niagara (they have really fun escape rooms- great for a group) - Grand Central Sports Bar (nice variety of beers on tap, tvs everywhere you look, live bands on weekends) - Hi-Lite restaurant (local spot with amazing food). A retro diner for breakfast and lunch.
Many vegan/ vegetarian options on menu
Great beer selection, ciders on tap
A lot of seating indoors with a seasonal outdoor patio
Specials most nights of the week (check website for updated specials)
Cons:
Several google reviews mentioned the chicken wings were very small- we would suggest you avoid ordering these!
Some guests mentioned they had poor or slow service
Our local recommendation: Go for some live music and get their pumpkin ale if it's in season!
Check out their website here.
03
of 10 NIAGARA BREWING COMPANY
Price: The priciest on our list compared to other breweries because of its location in the tourist area of Clifton Hill- just walking distance to the falls.
Location: 4915 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 3N5
Hours:
Sunday 11am-11pm
Monday 11am-9pm
Tuesday- Thursday 12pm-8pm
Friday- 12pm-11pm
Saturday- 11am-11pm
(subject to change at anytime)
Live Music: Local talent playing daily from open to close
(check their facebook here for who is playing & when)
Pros:
4$ beer specials daily from 3pm-4pm and 7pm-8pm
Conveniently located if you are enjoying the tourist area, walking distance to Niagara Falls waterfall
Nice atmosphere with live music
Two patios: The street-level patio faces Clifton Hill and Upper-Level Patio features views of Niagara Falls
Includes a retail shop: buy your favourite beer, fill a reusable growler or take home a souvenir
Cons:
No parking available on site- the closest is paid parking at various locations nearby
Expensive due to location in tourist area
Can be very busy during the high season (June-Sept)
Our Local recommendation: This brewery is in the tourist area of Niagara Falls, so take advantage of their "hoppy" hours (times noted above). Save some money while still enjoying a nice atmosphere and live music in the middle of all the fun on Clifton Hill! If you're looking for a nice light beer with great flavour we love the Honeymoon Peach Radler!
Check out their website here.
Niagara Brewing Company Taproom
is a second location located in the
Location: 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W6
The Taproom is located near the games tables and two concert venues. This makes it a great spot for a night out before or after a show!
Their menu consists of their locally brewed beer from their Clifton Hill location. They also have a small selection of appetizers, sandwiches and their two-patty smash burgers.
Check out their website here.
04
of 10 BLACKBURN BREW HOUSE
Price: A little pricey for food, but great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Location: 8001 Blackburn Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 0L7
Hours:
Monday- CLOSED
Tuesday & Wednesday- 11am-5pm
Thursday- 11am-9pm
Friday- 11am-10pm
Saturday-12pm-9pm
Sunday- 12pm-7pm
Live Music: Fridays 530pm-830pm
Follow their social media for up to date
info on live music
Blackburn has also hosted salsa lessons,
yoga classes, summer cruise night car
shows and more! Definitely check out their social media to see what events they have coming up.
Pros:
Located across the street from Heartland Forest which is an awesome spot for a leisurely hike (kid & stroller friendly). There's also a nice park, sandpit for the kids and washrooms on site. (Trail use is Mon-Sun 9am-4pm).
Spacious brewery (5,000 sqft. indoor dining area, plus a retail store, outdoor seasonal patio (covered) and a private event space
Good selection of beers with cider and seltzer options
Includes a retail shop: Buy your favourite beer or seltzers and souvenirs including a blackburn sweater for your pup!
Blackburn will deliver beer right to your doorstep (within the Niagara Region)
Cons
Some reviews stated they felt the price of food was too expensive for the portion they received
Some guests found the service was slow
Our Local Recommendation: We would avoid ordering the wings- a bit too expensive. Definitely go for a hike at Heartland Forest on a nice day and then stop in for a nice refreshing flight on their patio!
Check out their website here.
05
of 10 BENCH BREWING COMPANY
Price: A bit pricey but the location, atmosphere and quality of food make this a great choice.
Location: 3991 King St, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B1
Hours:
Taproom + Kitchen
Monday & Tuesday- CLOSED
Sunday-Wednesday 11am-9pm
Bottle Shop
Sunday-Wednesday 11am-9pm
Live Music: Check their social media for updates on live music! They often have live music on their outdoor patio on select days, summer evenings. Find the latest info here.
Pros:
The landscape is beautiful with a picturesque outdoor seasonal patio
Plenty of outdoor seating in the summer as they have two patios
A small menu but delicious food
Reviews raved about the quality and taste of beer
Cons:
Located in Beamsville and may be too far for some to travel from Niagara Falls (approx. 40 min drive). We think it's worth the drive- especially if you're visiting some of the wineries in this area!
Some reviews noted the food and drinks are pricey
Some reviews stated the customer service was lacking at times due to busy restaurant capacity
Our Local Recommendation: We love their Berry Fields sour beer- perfect for a summer patio drink! Come when they have live music on a summer evening and enjoy your drinks outside. Make sure you order the Bench BBQ pulled pork nachos.. they are AH-MA-ZING! *chefs kiss*
Check out their website here.
06
of 10 NIAGARA OAST HOUSE BREWERS
Price: A bit pricey but it's what you expect in wine country, Niagara-on-the-Lake. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful view of the vineyard and brush fires smoke BBQ on site makes it worth it.
Location: 2017 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Hours:
Monday 11am-8pm
Tuesday & Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 11am-8pm
Friday 11am-9pm
Saturday 11am-9pm
Sunday 11am-8pm
Retail Store Hours
Same hours as brewery (posted above) but additionally open:
Tuesday & Wednesday 11am-5pm
Live Music: Check Oast's events page for updated events and live music. Oast often hosts live bands & performers on the Federal Stage. It was converted from a 1930 Federal Flatbed Farm Truck and hosts a variety of live musical acts!
Pros:
The red barn is instagram photo worthy!
They have a great two storey beer patio made out of shipping containers with beautiful vineyard views.
Their patio is dog friendly so be sure to bring your fur baby.
A great atmosphere, especially when there is live music.
Cons
Some google reviews stated customers were ignored by staff, even when it was not busy, or had to wait a very long time for service.
Some reviews stated the menu is limiting and does not accommodate dietary restrictions. View their menu here.
Our Local Recommendation: Grab a spot on the second floor of the beer patio (be sure to order at the bar first) for a great view and grab yourself some strawberry rhubarb ale when it is in season! If you're in the mood, challenge a friend to a game of ping pong on their full-size table inside.
If you have kids, there is a nice area on the grass with picnic tables. They will have some room to run around while you enjoy a drink. Or if you can't stay, grab a growler or some cans to go and enjoy your drinks in the evening when the kids are sleeping.
Check out their website here.
07
of 10 DECEW FALLS BREWING COMPANY
Price: Reasonable but smaller portion sizes for food.
Location: 207 St Paul St W, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 2E1
Hours:
Monday- Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday- 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday- 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday- 12:00pm - 12:00am
Sunday- 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Pros:
The menu has a good selection of apps and mains, including a "build your own flatbread" section. View the menu here.
They have a happy hour from 5-7pm with $6 pints
Many google reviews stated they loved the beer and comfortable atmosphere with modern decor.
Many reviews noted the staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the beers available.
Cons:
Limited parking out front (free parking along side street)
Some google reviews found the menu is pricey for the portion size
It is a small brewery (may not be able to accommodate big groups- call and find out!)
Our Local Recommendation: They have a great selection of beer, including rotating taps so make sure you grab a flight to try several kinds! We love the copper beech cheese dip from their apps section.
Check out their website here.
08
of 10 SILVERSMITH BREWING CO. (THE CHURCH)
Price: A bit pricey for a sandwich, but the food quality and unique atmosphere make it worth it
Location: 1523 Niagara Stone Road, Virgil, ON L0S 1T0
Hours:
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday- CLOSED
Wednesday-Friday 3pm-8pm
Saturday- 11am-5pm
Live Music: Currently thursday nights. You can find their live music updates here.
Pros:
The building is very unique and beautiful- it's an old church (over 117 years old) that was turned into a brewing company (although beer is not brewed at this location).
This brewery is dog friendly so bring your pup!
Many gave rave reviews about the food and portion sizes- especially the chicken sandwiches and butcher burger. Check out the menu here.
The majority of google reviews stated they loved the taste of the beer
Cons:
Some google reviews stated that for the price, a sandwich should include a side and not be an additional cost.
Some google reviews stated they had poor service. We noticed the manager replied to the majority of bad reviews, providing contact information to discuss/ address their concerns.
Limited menu- but food is excellent
Our Local Recommendation: Grab an award winning Black Lager beer if you like hints of chocolate and coffee! If you're hungry make sure you try one of their chicken sandwiches (they have 3 different versions) or the Butcher Burger- you won't leave hungry with these big portions but a side is not included unfortunately.
Check out their website here.
09
of 10 THE GRIST- CRAFT KITCHEN & BREWERY
Price: Reasonable, food portion sizes are good, beer is good quality and the atmosphere is comfortable with wonderful modern decor
Location: 78 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1P0
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday- CLOSED
Wednesday-Sunday- 11am-9pm
Live Music: Check out their music page for upcoming acts here.
Pros:
Many google reviews raved about the pizza and wings
Good portion sizes for price
Great atmosphere and decor
They open their "garage door" windows in the summer which makes the entire restaurant feel like an indoor/outdoor setting.
Cons:
Some google reviews stated the food was too salty, particularly the pizza.
Some reviews noted poor service when busy and difficult to have a conversation due to the noise volume.
They do not take reservations but you can put your name on a waitlist when you arrive if it's busy.
Our Local Recommendation: Grab yourself a flight of beer and a big A** pretzel! If you're really hungry, we love the New Yorker or the "Honey That's Spicy" pizza.
Check out their website here.
10
of 10 COLD BREAK BREWING
Prices: Reasonable, slightly lower compared to most other breweries
Location: 193 St Paul St W, St. Catharines, ON L2S 2C9
Hours:
Monday- CLOSED
Tuesday- 12-9pm
Wednesday & Thursday- 12-11pm
Friday- 12pm- 12am
Saturday- 12pm-12am
Live Music: They currently have live music from 7-9pm every Wednesday with $6 beers all day. Check their website for updated events and live music here.
Pros:
The patio in the back is partly covered and dog friendly- be sure to bring your furry friend and get a Cold Break Brewing bandana for your pup!
Most reviews found the prices very reasonable.
Reviews reflected that guests enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere indoors and outdoors.
Cons:
Our Local Recommendation: Grab yourself an "Endless Summer" raspberry sour and a double-deuce burger with fries! The perfect combo.
Check out their website here.
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
All of the breweries offer live music but it changes depending on the season. Be sure to check their social media for the most updated info on live music.
You just have to accept that going to a brewery will likely cost you a little bit more than just going to your typical restaurant. You're paying for the experience, the atmosphere, the specialty beers, unique food options and live music. We think all of these breweries listed offer something special and unique, as we have tried them all!
Silversmith Brewing Company has the most limited hours and is closed 3 days a week, so be sure to check your timing if you're planning a stop. It's well worth the effort to make it work with your schedule to experience this unique brewery.
The Niagara Brewing Company is the most expensive of all the breweries on our list, as it sits right in the heart of the tourist area on Clifton Hill. But, it is conveniently located just walking distance to the falls, you can get a nice view from the 2nd floor patio and it hosts live performances daily with happy hours (twice a day) for discounted beer.
Blackburn Brewhouse is by far the most spacious brewery, can be found outside the busy tourist areas in Niagara Falls, has a nice outdoor patio with corn hole to play, and is ideal if you have a large group to accommodate or you just like your space. We also love that they host an array of events- so be sure to check out their social media to see what they're up to next!
Taps Brewhouse is perfect for anyone visiting Niagara Falls that doesn't want to leave Niagara Falls, but needs a break from the hiked prices in the tourist areas. This brewery is located just down the street from Niagara Brewing Company (Clifton Hill). So if you want to co-mingle with the locals, enjoy some local brews on tap and catch some live music, this is the spot for you.
DO YOU WANT TO DO YOUR OWN SELF-GUIDED MINI BREWERY TOUR IN THE NIAGARA REGION?
Here's what we would do!
Option #1:
Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) Brewery Tour
This tour can't be done on monday, tuesday or wednesday due to brewery closures
Stop at The Grist on your way to NOTL. Grab a flight of beer to try a variety, a pint of the red cream ale or sample one of their fun "beer cocktails"-- the beer sangrias sounds pretty good! Grab something from the "pre game" app section on their menu to split (like a big A** pretzel). If it's a nice day we would take our time and enjoy the atmosphere.
Our next stop would be to Silversmith Brewing co. (about 10 minute drive from Grist). This is the most unique brewery, in our opinion, on the list! While here, we would try a flight or their famous Black Lager. We would grab one of their chicken burgers (the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is the crowd pleaser) or a butcher burger which had great reviews.
If we needed a break from drinking and eating, we would head to downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake to walk along the iconic Queen st. There are so many quaint shops, historic sites and a park to enjoy. (Note: the majority of shops close between 5-6pm).
We would end our brewery tour day at Niagara Oast House (4 min drive from downtown NOTL). Here we would grab a strawberry rhubarb (if in season) or a barn raiser and head up to the second level patio for beautiful views of the vineyard. By this time the sun should be setting and it will be picturesque. If you're ready for dinner, the brisket has rave reviews!
Head home and relax! You just saw 3 of the best breweries in the Niagara region and the iconic downtown Niagara-on-the-lake district. Not bad for a days work.
Option #2
Tourist By Day & Local By Night Brewery Tour
This tour can be done any day of the week but we suggest you plan it when there is live music at Taps.
Spend the day down by the falls doing all the tourist things (Clifton Hill, Table Rock and walking down by the falls, Hornblower, etc). There are endless things to do in this area, but it does get pricey. We suggest the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass which gives you some good attractions and a transportation pass for 2 days.
Stop for a break at 3pm to catch "hoppy hour" at the Brewing Company for some live music and $4 beer specials. We would probably stick to beer and grab food elsewhere, but if you're on vacation and feel like splurging we recommend the caesar salad with chicken or the chicken sandwich. Their fries are also amazing! Here are some alternatives for food, within walking distance, that we like and don't feel are tourist traps: Yanks for a relaxed bar vibe Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante for some great wood oven pizza/Italian food.
Go back to your hotel or airbnb and get ready for the second part of the tour.
Head to Counterpart Brewing for a flight (make sure you try the sour beer). Depending on how hungry you are, you can eat here or at Taps Brewhouse (your next stop). As a local I would eat here as I find their food amazing, but it's up to you! The chicken burger is something I crave in my sleep.
Next, head to Taps Brewhouse (approx. 6 min drive).
Grab a pint of your choosing (we love the pumpkin ale and cream ale) and if you didn't eat at Counterpart, grab some dinner (we recommend the quesadilla or fish & chips). Make sure you go on a night that has live music or stand up comedy and nice weather to sit out on the patio! You can choose to stay here and sample their large selection of beers all night or you can take a walk down to Grand Central, which often has live bands on weekends, pool tables a lot of TVs, a patio and a good selection of beers on tap.
Option #3
A Hike & A Pint Tour (A good one for families & dog lovers)
This tour can't be done on Mondays due to Blackburn closure. Keep in mind that Heartland Forest trail is only open from 9am-4pm daily.
This isn't really a "tour" because it is only one brewery visit to Blackburn Brew House but it's probably our favourite option as a local and a parent.
Start off at Heartland Forest and go for a leisurely hike/walk around. They have beautiful facilities and it's a great spot for your kids to run around and burn off steam. There is a kids playground, kid/stroller/dog friendly trails, washroom facilities, a tree house, pavilions with picnic tables, mini putt and more.
2. After exploring all Heartland has to offer, drive across the street to Blackburn Brew House and enjoy a pint or flight and some food. They have a nice patio and there is plenty of grass for kids and pups (since Blackburn is dog friendly) to run around if they aren't tuckered out yet. The best part? You get to relax now! They also have corn hole which is fun for every age.
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